Ever seen two coyotes stuck together and wondered what the heck is happening? Coyotes get stuck together because they’re in a copulatory tie during mating. Their bodies connect, and this odd-looking lock can last several minutes while they breed.
It might look strange or even a bit alarming, but it’s just a normal part of coyote mating. Once you know what’s going on, it’s easier not to panic when you spot this weird scene out in the wild.
Why Coyotes Get Stuck Together During Mating
When coyotes mate, they actually lock together in a pretty unique way. Their bodies physically connect because of some interesting biological changes.
The “tie” keeps them stuck for a while, and honestly, it’s all about making sure reproduction works out during their short mating season.
What Is the Mating Tie?
During mating season, which usually runs from January to March, you’ll see coyotes locked back-to-back. This “tie” helps the male’s sperm stay inside the female, giving them a better shot at fertilization.
Almost all canines do this, not just coyotes. It’s a built-in part of their mating process and stops the male from leaving too soon.
The tie leaves both coyotes vulnerable since they can’t really move away from each other during this time.
How the Tie Works Physically
The male coyote’s penis swells inside the female after mating starts. The bulbus glandis, a part of the penis, expands and makes it impossible for the male to pull out right away.
This swelling keeps the sperm close to the female’s eggs. The timing lines up with the male’s sperm production, which ramps up just before mating season.
So, this tie really boosts their chances of making pups during that narrow window.
When the Tie Happens
The tie starts after the male mounts the female during her heat cycle. Female coyotes go into heat once a year, and that’s when the male is fertile, too.
After mounting, the swelling kicks in and they lock together. This is the peak moment of their mating season.
You’ll often spot the male guarding the female before and after this, making sure other coyotes don’t interfere.
How Long Coyotes Stay Tied
Coyotes can stay tied for up to 20 minutes. They remain back-to-back and can’t separate until the swelling goes down.
Since they’re stuck and can’t run off, they usually choose hidden or safe spots for mating.
Sometimes the pair will fidget or try to adjust if things aren’t quite right. Once the swelling fades, they disconnect and either part ways or stick together for the rest of the season.
If you want more details, check out this info on coyote mating season.
Coyote Mating Behavior and Family Life
Coyotes form strong bonds with their mates and work together during mating and raising pups. Their courtship can look careful or even a bit awkward.
After the pups arrive, both parents pitch in to care for them and keep them safe. These pair bonds can last a long time—sometimes for life, which is kind of sweet, honestly.
Coyote Courtship Rituals
The female usually picks her mate from a few hopeful males. The male often follows her at a distance, trying not to be a pest.
When she’s ready, the female gives clear signals, like rubbing against him or holding her tail to the side.
Males act gentle and watch for any sign she’s annoyed. Their mating includes that “tie,” where they stay locked together for up to 20 minutes.
This tie helps strengthen their bond, but it also makes them easy targets for predators, so they stay on high alert.
Raising Coyote Pups
After giving birth, the female digs a den or finds a hidden spot for the pups. Gestation lasts about 63 days.
Litters usually have 3 to 4 pups, but sometimes there are as few as 1 or as many as 7.
Both parents help raise the pups. The male brings food to the den while the mother sticks close.
At first, the parents feed the pups by regurgitating food. Pups stay hidden until they’re old enough to tag along on hunts, usually when they’re about 1 or 2 years old.
Lifespan of Pair Bonds
Coyotes usually pick a mate for life, sticking together through thick and thin. They mate just once a year, during a brief window each breeding season.
After two coyotes pair up, they rarely wander off, even if other coyotes are around. Their loyalty helps them raise pups and keep their territory safe.
Sure, sometimes a bond falls apart, but honestly, that doesn’t happen often. You might spot a coyote family hunting or roaming together year after year.
Their close family life really highlights how much they depend on teamwork to make it out there.
Learn more about coyote mating behavior.
